While fine lines and wrinkles remain the top aging concern many people wish to treat, other natural skin changes, like crepey and sagging skin, can also make the face appear older. As the skin loses its firmness, smoothness, and elasticity over time, these conditions may develop and lead to a more wrinkled and droopy appearance.
Although crepey and sagging skin may look similar, they are actually quite different in both their causes and the treatments they require. Finding the right solution starts with understanding the differences between the two.
Continue reading as we explore their differences and how you can effectively treat or improve them with non-surgical options at Sanctuary by Cutis in Singapore.
As its name suggests, crepey skin refers to skin that appears dry and wrinkled, similar to a crepe paper. It is sometimes called elephant skin because it visually resembles the skin texture of an elephant. Crepiness can occur anywhere on the body, but some areas such as the neck, under eyes, and upper chest are more prone to crinkling.
Elbows and knees are the first areas to display crepey skin due to the repetitive bending and stretching of the skin. These movements put extra stress on the already thin skin, resulting in a loss of elasticity. This, along with a decline in collagen due to aging, contributes to a crepey appearance.
Crepey skin appears when the skin becomes thinner and loses its ability to return to its original state after being stretched constantly. Aging plays a major role in its formation but several factors also contribute to it:
Sagging skin involves drooping of the skin due to aging and loss of fat. People of any age can get saggy skin, but it is more common among older people and those who have lost significant amounts of weight. Sagging in the lower face (jowls) and neck are two of the most noticeable signs of aging and aging skin.
Sagging skin can manifest in several ways, such as:
Sagging commonly manifests as loose skin or excess fat around certain areas of the face, but it can also give rise to the appearance of:
A decline in collagen and elastin, commonly due to aging, is one of the main causes of sagging skin. Several factors can also contribute to its development including:
| CREPEY SKIN | SAGGING SKIN | |
| TEXTURE | Thin, delicate, and wrinkled skin (like crepe paper) | Loose, droopy skin; may appear hollow or deflated |
| CAUSE | Aging, sun damage, weight loss, other poor lifestyle choices | Aging, weight loss, genetics |
| COMMON AREAS | Neck, under the eyes, hands, upper arms | Jowls, chin, eyelids, upper arms, stomach |
| DEPTH OF CONCERN | Primarily surface level, related to the epidermis or outer layer; noticeable in areas with thin skin | A structural problem that involves the dermis and potentially the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue); associated with loss of collagen and elastin |
If you’re looking for a non-surgical way on how to treat crepey or sagging skin, NIR (near infrared) skin tightening is worth considering. It can tighten and contour the skin, improve sagging and crepey-looking skin, as well as reduce the look of cellulite for a more youthful appearance.
How it works: NIR skin tightening in Singapore uses a high-power light source in the near-infrared spectrum. This heats the deeper layers and water in tissues, causing the collagen fibers to tighten and contract, as well as the fibroblast to repair skin cells and build new collagen. This can then reduce the appearance of aging skin.
The procedure can help tighten laxity, as well improve the skin’s texture, tone, and firmness. It is sometimes referred to as Cinderella treatment, as it can make you feel as transformed as Cinderella, looking ready and rejuvenated for an important event.
Treatable areas: NIR can treat different areas of the body, including the:
Results to expect: Immediately after the procedure, you may notice improvement in skin firmness, but this is partly due to slight swelling post-treatment. Once this subsides, you’ll see more changes, with the area feeling smoother and firmer. Optimal results appear over two to three months or the period when the skin begins to build new collagen.
Crepey skin treatment involves stimulating collagen, focusing on improving skin texture, hydration, and elasticity. This can include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and skin boosters. For sagging skin, the focus is on restoring volume loss and tightening loose skin, such as RF and ultrasound tightening, dermal fillers, and others.
Here are other non-surgical options we have at Sanctuary by Cutis:
Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, Cutis, also offers non-surgical treatments for crepey-looking and sagging skin. These include Ultherapy, laser skin rejuvenation, injectables, and others. A consultation with an aesthetic doctor in Singapore will let you know which treatments or products are suitable for your concerns.
Whether you’re struggling with thin, crepey skin or loose, sagging skin, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with our team today and find the right treatment plan tailored to you.
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